Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Otopharynx speciosus 'Nkhomo Reef'.jpg Placidochromis milomo 'Nkhomo Reef'.jpg Placidochromis sp. 'electra type' Nkhomo Reef.jpg Protomelas taeniolatus 'Nkhomo Reef'.jpg Taeniochromis holotaenia 'Nkhomo Reef'.jpg
Previous pageNext pagePlacidochromis sp. 'electra type' Nkhomo Reef
Genus: Placidochromis
Biotope: Sandy substrates in the southern half of Lake Malawi; often seen near sand-grubbing Taeniolethrinops but never observed actively following them.
Geographic distribution: Southern half of Lake Malawi, including Mala Point (Mozambique) and Luwala and Nkhomo Reef (Malawi).
Sexual dimorphism: Sexes appear similar in color; overall very light blue coloration.
Feeding: Opportunistic feeder attracted to stirred-up sediment; forages independently and has not been observed following large sand-sifting hosts.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; spawning behavior presumed similar to other electra-type Placidochromis with internal fertilization of eggs.
Special notes: May represent a complex of look-alike forms; possibly conspecific with Placidochromis ‘longimanus maleri’ as reported by Turner (1996).

Photo: © Ad Konings